CP Systems-2, Retail Theft Prevention-2 , Checkpoint Labels-3 , Stop Shoplifting-1
Dwelling In The Past Won’t Stop Theft
I have transferred to a different location in our company. Anytime I move to a different store, I feel it is imperative to identify sales trends, regular theft targets, and other key information that will help me be an effective manager. The one thing I can always count on from the crew is: “Well, this is how we’ve always done it.” Some things are location specific and they do work, so I have no intention of coming in and making store wide sweeping changes. I have different ideas on how to stop shoplifting though, and sometimes my efforts meet a lot of resistance. All of our stores are equipped with Checkpoint Systems, so that’s one thing I am thankful for and I want to use every tool available to me that works in conjunction with it.
One thing I have discovered in this store is they have two locking glass cases, one in high end facial care and the other in the diet pill section. I work for a small retail pharmacy, so we are not talking about a very large building. The diet section is directly in front of the pharmacy counter and the facial section is directly across from the main front checkout register. I’m willing to bet that sales in these high retail and fairly good margin items are near zero. There are call buttons on both of them, but neither works. My plan is to remove both of these locking cases today. The employees think I’m making a big mistake and these items will be stolen immediately. But I have a plan to continue to protect these items from being stolen, but to use proven retail theft prevention tools. First of all, all of them will now have Checkpoint labels adhered to the packages. Most theft will be deterred by placing them on the outside of the boxes. First of all, most theft is opportunistic, meaning the person came to purchase the item but sees a chance to steal it instead. If the Checkpoint labels are on the front of the package, it sends a clear message to the average shopper that the item is being monitored, and most people will decide taking the chance just isn’t worth getting caught. To a booster it sends a completely different message. We place the label directly on the front so that if they attempt to remove it, there will be obvious damage left. They know they will receive less money for it from their buyer.
I have other tools at my disposal if the Checkpoint labels are not enough to stop theft. The other tools are compatible with Checkpoint Systems so I have many options if I need to employ more tactics. The most important thing to remember is that locking cases are great for some businesses, but they are not the answer to all theft problems. They also stop sales. I imagine when most customers come in to purchase any of those facial items or diet pills; they press the call button (that doesn’t work). Then when no employee ever comes to help them, they either choose another lower priced item not in the case or worse, they leave empty handed. They may buy other items and then forget to even ask for the stuff they wanted out of the case. If I wanted to try one of those diet pills that are advertised on television, that is my business, and I shouldn’t have to go up front and beg someone to open the case for me. The same goes for high dollar wrinkle creams. Those are personal and private choices, and customer service shouldn’t be impeded by our tools for retail theft prevention.
For more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
I have transferred to a different location in our company. Anytime I move to a different store, I feel it is imperative to identify sales trends, regular theft targets, and other key information that will help me be an effective manager. The one thing I can always count on from the crew is: “Well, this is how we’ve always done it.” Some things are location specific and they do work, so I have no intention of coming in and making store wide sweeping changes. I have different ideas on how to stop shoplifting though, and sometimes my efforts meet a lot of resistance. All of our stores are equipped with Checkpoint Systems, so that’s one thing I am thankful for and I want to use every tool available to me that works in conjunction with it.
One thing I have discovered in this store is they have two locking glass cases, one in high end facial care and the other in the diet pill section. I work for a small retail pharmacy, so we are not talking about a very large building. The diet section is directly in front of the pharmacy counter and the facial section is directly across from the main front checkout register. I’m willing to bet that sales in these high retail and fairly good margin items are near zero. There are call buttons on both of them, but neither works. My plan is to remove both of these locking cases today. The employees think I’m making a big mistake and these items will be stolen immediately. But I have a plan to continue to protect these items from being stolen, but to use proven retail theft prevention tools. First of all, all of them will now have Checkpoint labels adhered to the packages. Most theft will be deterred by placing them on the outside of the boxes. First of all, most theft is opportunistic, meaning the person came to purchase the item but sees a chance to steal it instead. If the Checkpoint labels are on the front of the package, it sends a clear message to the average shopper that the item is being monitored, and most people will decide taking the chance just isn’t worth getting caught. To a booster it sends a completely different message. We place the label directly on the front so that if they attempt to remove it, there will be obvious damage left. They know they will receive less money for it from their buyer.
I have other tools at my disposal if the Checkpoint labels are not enough to stop theft. The other tools are compatible with Checkpoint Systems so I have many options if I need to employ more tactics. The most important thing to remember is that locking cases are great for some businesses, but they are not the answer to all theft problems. They also stop sales. I imagine when most customers come in to purchase any of those facial items or diet pills; they press the call button (that doesn’t work). Then when no employee ever comes to help them, they either choose another lower priced item not in the case or worse, they leave empty handed. They may buy other items and then forget to even ask for the stuff they wanted out of the case. If I wanted to try one of those diet pills that are advertised on television, that is my business, and I shouldn’t have to go up front and beg someone to open the case for me. The same goes for high dollar wrinkle creams. Those are personal and private choices, and customer service shouldn’t be impeded by our tools for retail theft prevention.
For more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
The best way to stop shoplifting amateurs in your business today is to catch them with an element of surprise! I remember this one case I was working a while back where we used simple EAS labels to not only apprehend but essentially embarrass a well-known shoplifter. More on that here in a minute though.
EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) is a fundamental component of any successful loss prevention effort. It uses a bevy of physical checks and balances to ensure your product is not leaving through the front door unnoticed. The basic premise of EAS is that specific items are tagged with passive small labels (such as Checkpoint labels) that activate loud alarm systems at the front of the store. If a shoplifter tries to exit with tagged merchandise, they are exposed to staff by an exceptionally loud alarm.
Anyhow, we had this one shoplifter that kept ‘hitting’ our store. It would be an understatement to say that he was the most brazen thief I have ever come across. He was known throughout our city, across many retailer brands and most law enforcement officers had prior dealings with him. This guy was so daring (or careless) that he would literally look us dead in the eyes and dare us to do anything about him stealing. Once, he looked at me and said “I’ll (expletive) kill you”. Assuming that this shoplifter was armed with some sort of weapon, no one ever found justification enough to attempt apprehension. He would come into the store at least three times per week and virtually take anything he wanted. That is, until we waged war against him with tiny Checkpoint labels.
As it turned out, we had some external intelligence on him that led us to understand that he was selling our merchandise to an undercover police officer. Yes! It turned out that our favorite crook was the subject of a multicounty theft ring involving several stores. We didn’t know anything about it until our informant let us in on the operation. At that point, some of the detectives met with us and asked us for assistance in building a criminal case against him (and ultimately the theft ring). Since law enforcement can’t be in our stores 24/7 with us, they couldn’t find direct probable cause to indict this professional shoplifter without building more of a case. They needed for us to obtain video surveillance of him exiting the store with merchandise. Since it was ‘hit or miss’ as to whether or not he would conceal the merchandise before exiting, we decided to implement the use of EAS labels to help identify instances of theft.
Since we knew that this particular shoplifter always boosted the same products (DVD’s and music CD’s) we decided to affix Checkpoint labels inconspicuously onto each package. Additionally, we decided that over the course of a couple of weeks, we would go ahead and disable the audible alarm feature of the EAS towers at the front of the store but leave the visual flashing lights enabled. This way, the alarm would alert us visually through the flashing lights on top of the EAS pedestal but no alarm would be heard while being triggered. This essentially allowed us to build a video tapped record of this shoplifter entering and exiting the store while causing the EAS tower to visually alert. The subject would enter the store without triggering the pedestal but open exit, the lights would flash indicating that he had something concealed. Not once, did he ever notice that the lights were flashing! It’s hard to say whether or not we missed out on a lot of other shoplifter cases by disabling the audible alarm on the EAS system but in order to stop shoplifting incidents caused directly by this individual, we felt it was justified.
Altogether, we recorded a video log of this guy triggering the EAS system upon exit, a total of twelve separate occasions. The police were able to use the accumulated footage we provided to them in conjunction with purchases of the product bought by the undercover detective. It was enough to convict him and get him locked away for ten years. Somehow, the prosecutor was able to escalate the charges (by working with the US District Attorney) into a Federal case, most likely because the shoplifter was also selling our stolen merchandise across state lines. This was all credited to the use of our EAS labels placed in conspicuously onto the stolen merchandise!
For more information on how to stop shoplifting, contact us or call 1-770-426-0547.
Electronic Article Surveillance –5 WC blog 04
EAS tags – 4
Stop Shoplifting – 3
Electronic Article Surveillance: Sound The Alarm
Is there anyone else out there who has experienced the frustration of making a purchase and then the alarm from the electronic article surveillance system sounds when you attempt to exit a store? More annoying still, the cashier waves to you and says you’re okay and continues checking out the next customer? To top off the experience, it seems everyone in the store is staring at you. I know in my own experience, my reaction can depend on how my day is going, and with a knowledge of loss prevention, I am aware that no system is perfect so I may be a little more forgiving than the average customer. As an Assets Protection Manager I have also been on the receiving end of the angry customer who has been inconvenienced by an alarm that has sounded due to the failure of EAS tags to be deactivated. This is the customer who is going to make their feelings known, and they may not do it so quietly or politely.
I am a huge proponent of retail theft prevention measures, especially electronic article surveillance systems. There is no question that these systems make a significant impact on improving the profits of the stores that invest in them. Having the antennas at the doors makes a shoplifter consider whether they want to risk setting off the alarm. EAS tags on merchandise act as deterrents against the would-be thief. It must be remembered that the technology that is on the market can only go so far in efforts to stop shoplifting. Business owners and managers must also train employees on systems they choose to invest in. Employees need to be aware of the importance of deactivating all merchandise that passes over their checkout lanes. It is not enough to simply have an acronym that employees are to memorize to get compliance. Time needs to be spent properly training employees. Invest the time explaining to the employee why minimizing and preferably eliminating false alarms at the doors is so important. If there are no dedicated security personnel, then a cashier may have to be the person trained to test the equipment. Training also must include proper response to electronic article surveillance alarm activations.
The first and most obvious reason to eliminate false alarms is the negative experience to the honest customer. Customers who have experienced a false alarm are not concerned whether the cause of the alarm is due to faulty equipment or a cashier not deactivating EAS tags, they want someone to address the immediate situation. A well trained employee can defuse a situation quickly and allow the customer to leave still having a positive attitude about their overall experience. Eliminating false alarms will also add credibility to the deterrence value of the alarm system. When people see that no one responds to an electronic article surveillance alarm the bad guys are among those watching and they do evaluate stores based on response or the lack of response to an alarm. No system will stop shoplifting if it is ignored when it sounds. Following proper deactivation procedures of EAS tags at the point of sale and quick response to alarms will reinforce a company’s commitment to theft prevention and good customer service.
Make the investment in an electronic article surveillance system and train employees so they see the value of the systems and understand how critical their role is in monitoring and responding to alarms. Employees will be motivated when they see the system does stop shoplifting. Building a culture of customer service and a secure environment can go hand in hand to building a profitable business.
For more information on Electronic Article Surveillance, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Is there anyone else out there who has experienced the frustration of making a purchase and then the alarm from the electronic article surveillance system sounds when you attempt to exit a store? More annoying still, the cashier waves to you and says you’re okay and continues checking out the next customer? To top off the experience, it seems everyone in the store is staring at you. I know in my own experience, my reaction can depend on how my day is going, and with a knowledge of loss prevention, I am aware that no system is perfect so I may be a little more forgiving than the average customer. As an Assets Protection Manager I have also been on the receiving end of the angry customer who has been inconvenienced by an alarm that has sounded due to the failure of EAS tags to be deactivated. This is the customer who is going to make their feelings known, and they may not do it so quietly or politely.
I am a huge proponent of retail theft prevention measures, especially electronic article surveillance systems. There is no question that these systems make a significant impact on improving the profits of the stores that invest in them. Having the antennas at the doors makes a shoplifter consider whether they want to risk setting off the alarm. EAS tags on merchandise act as deterrents against the would-be thief. It must be remembered that the technology that is on the market can only go so far in efforts to stop shoplifting. Business owners and managers must also train employees on systems they choose to invest in. Employees need to be aware of the importance of deactivating all merchandise that passes over their checkout lanes. It is not enough to simply have an acronym that employees are to memorize to get compliance. Time needs to be spent properly training employees. Invest the time explaining to the employee why minimizing and preferably eliminating false alarms at the doors is so important. If there are no dedicated security personnel, then a cashier may have to be the person trained to test the equipment. Training also must include proper response to electronic article surveillance alarm activations.
The first and most obvious reason to eliminate false alarms is the negative experience to the honest customer. Customers who have experienced a false alarm are not concerned whether the cause of the alarm is due to faulty equipment or a cashier not deactivating EAS tags, they want someone to address the immediate situation. A well trained employee can defuse a situation quickly and allow the customer to leave still having a positive attitude about their overall experience. Eliminating false alarms will also add credibility to the deterrence value of the alarm system. When people see that no one responds to an electronic article surveillance alarm the bad guys are among those watching and they do evaluate stores based on response or the lack of response to an alarm. No system will stop shoplifting if it is ignored when it sounds. Following proper deactivation procedures of EAS tags at the point of sale and quick response to alarms will reinforce a company’s commitment to theft prevention and good customer service.
Make the investment in an electronic article surveillance system and train employees so they see the value of the systems and understand how critical their role is in monitoring and responding to alarms. Employees will be motivated when they see the system does stop shoplifting. Building a culture of customer service and a secure environment can go hand in hand to building a profitable business.
For more information on Electronic Article Surveillance, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
BUILDING GREAT LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS WILL HELP YOU TO STOP SHOPLIFTING IN YOUR STORES
Often, I write about ways to stop shoplifting, or ways to better use technology to prevent losses. I sincerely hope that someone out there reads what I have to say and uses it in there store to help them make more money in the form of reduced losses. Well, I don’t have any tips today. What I do have is a pretty great story out of one of my stores that show just how pervasive the shoplifting culture is and how a couple of fantastic property crime detectives recovered tens of thousands of dollars for my store.
Over the past decade with my current employer, I’ve made some great partnerships with the law enforcement community in each jurisdiction I have a store in. My theory here is that if you take care of the police, they will take care of you. Our stores are willing and able to support any investigation they may have. Whether it is a case of identity theft, vehicle burglary in the parking lot, or even a pick pocket in the store, I instruct my managers to always give the police access to anything they need to satisfy their investigation. In addition, I make sure a good portion of my community engagement budget goes to law enforcement functions in the community. That level of partnership and cooperation has benefited me tremendously with my goal to stop shoplifting. Anytime I need help with an investigation, I can pick up the phone and someone will lend a helping hand. Other times, I’ll get a case hand delivered to me. Like this week.
A few days ago, a detective I’ve known for quite some time called me with information on a shoplifting ring that was targeting one of my stores. They had very reliable information that the pair, a husband and wife had been shoplifting large quantities of merchandise from this particular store for quite a while. Through their investigation, they had discovered a storage facility that merchandise was likely being kept at, and he had already secured a search warrant for the storage unit, as well as their home. Awesome I though, but why are you calling?
He thought it’d be great to catch them in the act. He had some specific information on when they would target the store next and asked if I wanted to “ride along”. Who passes up this opportunity? So, within hours, I had an overnight bag packed and I was on my way. The lengths I go to stop shoplifting…..
The day that his source tells him arrives and we set up at the store. I arrive at the store and there are several detectives, in plain clothes all around. Like clock-work, the happy couple arrives. Immediately, they start going for all sorts of high end product. Everything they grab has a checkpoint label secured to it. Not 15 minutes later, the pair exits the store. The checkpoint labels didn’t set the alarm off, which was a surprise to me. Within seconds of their exit, they are swarmed by detectives. The female decides to run… she didn’t get that far. The weight of 15 pairs of denim jeans kept her from reaching her top speed. Her accomplice had just as many pairs, along with several watches, electronics and footwear merchandise. They were literally busting at the seams.
With warrants in hand, I had the privilege to ride along with the detectives as they busted open their storage locker. Their source had paid off big time. Inside the locker was close to 75 pairs of jeans, stacks of shoes, piles of neatly folded clothing and scores of electronic merchandise. All of it belonged to my store. When one of the detectives asked how I could be sure that the merchandise belonged to me, I pointed out that nearly every item had a checkpoint label attached to it. That label had my stores name and number printed on it.
We also discovered, once these two fine citizens got to the jail, was how they were able to defeat the EAS system. They would wear two layers of clothing. Underneath their outer garments, they wore baggier jogging type clothing. That clothing was taped around their ankles, so when they stuffed the store’s merchandise down their pants, it was secured. That second layer was also meticulously lined with aluminum foil, thus blocking the sensors from going off at the door. This just goes to show, while our efforts may not be fruitful 100%, thieves will always, eventually, get caught!
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Often, I write about ways to stop shoplifting, or ways to better use technology to prevent losses. I sincerely hope that someone out there reads what I have to say and uses it in there store to help them make more money in the form of reduced losses. Well, I don’t have any tips today. What I do have is a pretty great story out of one of my stores that show just how pervasive the shoplifting culture is and how a couple of fantastic property crime detectives recovered tens of thousands of dollars for my store.
Over the past decade with my current employer, I’ve made some great partnerships with the law enforcement community in each jurisdiction I have a store in. My theory here is that if you take care of the police, they will take care of you. Our stores are willing and able to support any investigation they may have. Whether it is a case of identity theft, vehicle burglary in the parking lot, or even a pick pocket in the store, I instruct my managers to always give the police access to anything they need to satisfy their investigation. In addition, I make sure a good portion of my community engagement budget goes to law enforcement functions in the community. That level of partnership and cooperation has benefited me tremendously with my goal to stop shoplifting. Anytime I need help with an investigation, I can pick up the phone and someone will lend a helping hand. Other times, I’ll get a case hand delivered to me. Like this week.
A few days ago, a detective I’ve known for quite some time called me with information on a shoplifting ring that was targeting one of my stores. They had very reliable information that the pair, a husband and wife had been shoplifting large quantities of merchandise from this particular store for quite a while. Through their investigation, they had discovered a storage facility that merchandise was likely being kept at, and he had already secured a search warrant for the storage unit, as well as their home. Awesome I though, but why are you calling?
He thought it’d be great to catch them in the act. He had some specific information on when they would target the store next and asked if I wanted to “ride along”. Who passes up this opportunity? So, within hours, I had an overnight bag packed and I was on my way. The lengths I go to stop shoplifting…..
The day that his source tells him arrives and we set up at the store. I arrive at the store and there are several detectives, in plain clothes all around. Like clock-work, the happy couple arrives. Immediately, they start going for all sorts of high end product. Everything they grab has a checkpoint label secured to it. Not 15 minutes later, the pair exits the store. The checkpoint labels didn’t set the alarm off, which was a surprise to me. Within seconds of their exit, they are swarmed by detectives. The female decides to run… she didn’t get that far. The weight of 15 pairs of denim jeans kept her from reaching her top speed. Her accomplice had just as many pairs, along with several watches, electronics and footwear merchandise. They were literally busting at the seams.
With warrants in hand, I had the privilege to ride along with the detectives as they busted open their storage locker. Their source had paid off big time. Inside the locker was close to 75 pairs of jeans, stacks of shoes, piles of neatly folded clothing and scores of electronic merchandise. All of it belonged to my store. When one of the detectives asked how I could be sure that the merchandise belonged to me, I pointed out that nearly every item had a checkpoint label attached to it. That label had my stores name and number printed on it.
We also discovered, once these two fine citizens got to the jail, was how they were able to defeat the EAS system. They would wear two layers of clothing. Underneath their outer garments, they wore baggier jogging type clothing. That clothing was taped around their ankles, so when they stuffed the store’s merchandise down their pants, it was secured. That second layer was also meticulously lined with aluminum foil, thus blocking the sensors from going off at the door. This just goes to show, while our efforts may not be fruitful 100%, thieves will always, eventually, get caught!
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Checkpoint Labels -4 WC blog 21
Stop Shoplifting-4
Prevent Meat And Fresh Food Theft; Use Checkpoint Food Labels
The grocery store business, in my opinion, is an interesting market where shortage is concerned. The profit margins are not very high, I have seen numbers range as low as 1% and as high as 3%. Whether it is the high or low end, this is not a lot of room for profit and it means that shortage control is critical in keeping the profits as high as possible. Grocery stores have to be concerned with shortage in several forms, expiration dates, vendor shortage, internal theft and shoplifting. Checkpoint labels can be an effective tool for any grocery store or supermarket to use to stop shoplifting and deter employee theft.
I will admit, I am limited in my experience in the grocery industry. As a teenager I bagged groceries, mopped the floors, stocked shelves and occasionally I priced canned goods. In my years as a retail store executive I had a little more exposure to the food industry. We did have food in our store, but it was somewhat limited when compared to even a small, corner grocery store and it did not include fresh meats. We had the frozen fish, frozen burgers in boxes, frozen pizzas, etcetera, but nothing that was really a major concern as far as theft goes. Also, having spent years in retail loss prevention, I was aware that grocery stores have smaller profit margins and need to stop shoplifting and other shortage to protect what profits they do make. I was NOT aware that theft from the meat department is one of the highest theft areas for grocery stores and can be a difficult area to control.
In order to help prevent food theft, the 4210 EP RF Checkpoint labels were designed to be safe for meat or other fresh foods and it can be placed on plastic wrap or under a meat soaker pad. Depending on how a merchant has the meat packaged the tagging can be done at the source or in store, so it is perfect for any food market. By having a Checkpoint system in place including antennas at the doors and using the Checkpoint labels, a store can stop shoplifting through deterrence or merchandise recovery.
I was in a grocery store a few years ago and happened to be looking in the fresh meat section when I noticed a customer standing near me. I noticed the “customer” quickly select several steaks and then make eye contact with me. He walked away and a few minutes later we happened to pass each other and the steaks weren’t in his hand any longer, but I noticed his shirt was untucked, he had no other items in his hands at that point and he seemed to be checking his waist band. I was curious at this point (I confess, I am nosey) and I followed the guy to the checkout lane where he picked up a pack of gum and stood in line. I don’t like shoplifters and I could not say for sure he had taken anything, but I wanted to make him uncomfortable if he had stolen the meat so I stood in line behind him. He was clearly uncomfortable, possibly from me being behind him or more likely from the cold he was experiencing from his hidden merchandise. Well, the “customer” bought his gum and left but his shifting from leg to leg and pants adjustments while he was in line gave me some entertainment and satisfaction that IF he had stolen the meat, it was not an easy theft.
I tell this story because it is a prime example of how the theft of meat and other food items are a very real problem for grocers. Stop shoplifting from happening in your store, invest in Checkpoint labels for your fresh food department and savor the savings you will see in increased profit margin.
For more information about Checkpoint labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
The grocery store business, in my opinion, is an interesting market where shortage is concerned. The profit margins are not very high, I have seen numbers range as low as 1% and as high as 3%. Whether it is the high or low end, this is not a lot of room for profit and it means that shortage control is critical in keeping the profits as high as possible. Grocery stores have to be concerned with shortage in several forms, expiration dates, vendor shortage, internal theft and shoplifting. Checkpoint labels can be an effective tool for any grocery store or supermarket to use to stop shoplifting and deter employee theft.
I will admit, I am limited in my experience in the grocery industry. As a teenager I bagged groceries, mopped the floors, stocked shelves and occasionally I priced canned goods. In my years as a retail store executive I had a little more exposure to the food industry. We did have food in our store, but it was somewhat limited when compared to even a small, corner grocery store and it did not include fresh meats. We had the frozen fish, frozen burgers in boxes, frozen pizzas, etcetera, but nothing that was really a major concern as far as theft goes. Also, having spent years in retail loss prevention, I was aware that grocery stores have smaller profit margins and need to stop shoplifting and other shortage to protect what profits they do make. I was NOT aware that theft from the meat department is one of the highest theft areas for grocery stores and can be a difficult area to control.
In order to help prevent food theft, the 4210 EP RF Checkpoint labels were designed to be safe for meat or other fresh foods and it can be placed on plastic wrap or under a meat soaker pad. Depending on how a merchant has the meat packaged the tagging can be done at the source or in store, so it is perfect for any food market. By having a Checkpoint system in place including antennas at the doors and using the Checkpoint labels, a store can stop shoplifting through deterrence or merchandise recovery.
I was in a grocery store a few years ago and happened to be looking in the fresh meat section when I noticed a customer standing near me. I noticed the “customer” quickly select several steaks and then make eye contact with me. He walked away and a few minutes later we happened to pass each other and the steaks weren’t in his hand any longer, but I noticed his shirt was untucked, he had no other items in his hands at that point and he seemed to be checking his waist band. I was curious at this point (I confess, I am nosey) and I followed the guy to the checkout lane where he picked up a pack of gum and stood in line. I don’t like shoplifters and I could not say for sure he had taken anything, but I wanted to make him uncomfortable if he had stolen the meat so I stood in line behind him. He was clearly uncomfortable, possibly from me being behind him or more likely from the cold he was experiencing from his hidden merchandise. Well, the “customer” bought his gum and left but his shifting from leg to leg and pants adjustments while he was in line gave me some entertainment and satisfaction that IF he had stolen the meat, it was not an easy theft.
I tell this story because it is a prime example of how the theft of meat and other food items are a very real problem for grocers. Stop shoplifting from happening in your store, invest in Checkpoint labels for your fresh food department and savor the savings you will see in increased profit margin.
For more information about Checkpoint labels, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
